County officials considering new bond for jail

Curry County commissioners took no action Tuesday, but discussed the possible extension of a property tax bond to provide financing for renovation of the Curry County Adult Detention Facility.

The commission looked at a general obligation bond that expires in 2014, and can be extended years while keeping current property tax rates intact.

According to County Manager Lance Pyle, the bond would provide approximately $9.8 million, based upon current interest rates, with a 20-year maturity date.

CNJ file photo

Curry County commissioners are considering a bond election for a new detention center, and some commissioners have inquired about building a new facility away from the Clovis downtown area.

The move requires the commission approve a special election for the bond, and voter approval is required for the bond to be renewed.

Since 2010, commissions have twice presented bond issues to voters regarding the jail. In 2010, a bond for $33 million to renovate both the jail and the Curry County Courthouse was overwhelmingly rejected. A smaller bond, $9.3 million, was proposed last April and rejected 1,014-946.

Pyle said the difference between the 2012 jail bond and the proposed 2013 jail bond is in the location. Had the 2012 bond passed, an addition would have been built onto the current facility. Commissioners are now set on building another correctional facility elsewhere.

"I don't want to see us invest more money in the jail that's currently downtown," Commissioner Tim Ashley said. "I want to see it in a more secure location outside of town."

Commissioner Ben McDaniel requested that Pyle talk to Clovis city officials about the possibility of building the correctional facility at the Clovis Industrial Park. Pyle agreed to do it.

Commissioners also rejected an offer to purchase Zip Printing, located across from the detention center on Mitchell Street, for the purpose of converting it into more jail space.